Children in Crisis: Imperatives and Strategies for the Church in South Africa

Abstract

Abstract: This thesis dealt specifically with the topic of children in crisis from a global and then a South African perspective. Child care, or the lack thereof, was considered from a holistic perspective. The research evidenced that many children are in crisis, mainly because of neglect and abuse. These two problems clearly affect the child’s physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being. The writer proposes that concentration on neglect and abuse, especially if the proposed remedies are implemented, should positively affect the other areas of the child’s life.The primary objective of this thesis was to see how the church could intervene to alleviate the crisis in which many children find themselves in South Africa. Having exegeted relevant biblical passages, the writer presents several imperatives, including changing the perception of adults about children to give priority to their spiritual nurture, as well as addressing their other needs in a holistic manner, the importance of the father-heart of God as reflected in the parental care of children, and the overt training of parents and children in biblical principles by the church, especially in terms of the omission of teachings on sexual purity. The church is challenged to implement strategies to meet the needs of children in crisis in a practical manner. Strategies for healing are suggested and models of godly interventions making a difference in the lives of marginalized children are presented. The role of the Holy Spirit as healer is emphasised. After concluding that the root cause of the neglect and abuse is the selfish, sinful practices of those who are supposed to be nurturing children, the writer believes that only a changed life, where Jesus is the Lord of one’s life, can really make a profound difference in our handling of cases of child neglect and abuse.Abstract: This thesis dealt specifically with the topic of children in crisis from a global and then a South African perspective. Child care, or the lack thereof, was considered from a holistic perspective. The research evidenced that many children are in crisis, mainly because of neglect and abuse. These two problems clearly affect the child’s physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being. The writer proposes that concentration on neglect and abuse, especially if the proposed remedies are implemented, should positively affect the other areas of the child’s life.The primary objective of this thesis was to see how the church could intervene to alleviate the crisis in which many children find themselves in South Africa. Having exegeted relevant biblical passages, the writer presents several imperatives, including changing the perception of adults about children to give priority to their spiritual nurture, as well as addressing their other needs in a holistic manner, the importance of the father-heart of God as reflected in the parental care of children, and the overt training of parents and children in biblical principles by the church, especially in terms of the omission of teachings on sexual purity. The church is challenged to implement strategies to meet the needs of children in crisis in a practical manner. Strategies for healing are suggested and models of godly interventions making a difference in the lives of marginalized children are presented. The role of the Holy Spirit as healer is emphasised. After concluding that the root cause of the neglect and abuse is the selfish, sinful practices of those who are supposed to be nurturing children, the writer believes that only a changed life, where Jesus is the Lord of one’s life, can really make a profound difference in our handling of cases of child neglect and abuse.